Potassium Titanyl Phosphate Laser Versus Pulsed Dye Laser for Rosacea - a Prospective Case-Control Study

Rosacea is a common, chronic inflammatory skin disease that usually affects the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin [1]. Clinically, it presents initially with transient erythema (flushing) and telangiectasia. As it progresses, persistent erythema and papules and pustules appear. Phymatous changes result from hypertrophy of the sebaceous glands, and usually manifest as rhinophyma, gnatophyma, and metophyma [2]. Depending on the literature, rosacea has a prevalence of 1% to 22% [3]. Time of manifestation of the disease is usually between 30 and 50 years [4]. Women are more frequently affected [4].

For laser treatment of rosacea, the pulsed dye laser (PDL) with a wavelength of 595nm is frequently used. The treatment includes at least three sessions at intervals of about 4 weeks and leads to lightening and reduction of the lesions as well as reduction of papules and pustules. Various clinical studies have already demonstrated the high efficacy of PDL [5-7]. The treatment is painless, and local or general anesthesia is not necessary.

The KTP laser is also an option in the treatment of rosacea. Due to the more stable technology of the frequency-doubled Nd:YAG (KTP) and associated lower maintenance problems, this laser system appears to be a safer and more reliable treatment option for rosacea patients.